The Confederation of African Football have announced that they are working on changes and improvements to the CAF statutes and regulations that will strengthen the trust and confidence in the CAF Referees, VAR Operators and Judicial Bodies.
The decision comes in the wake of dramatic and widely criticised events during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal, which have since sparked controversy and intense debate across the football world.
CAF confirmed that the reforms are designed to prevent a repeat of the incidents that marred the final, where tensions escalated after a late penalty was awarded to the hosts with the score tied at 0-0. The call triggered protests from Senegalese players, who walked off the pitch in frustration, while sections of the crowd caused disorder by throwing objects and attempting to invade the field.
Led by captain Sadio Mané, the Senegal players eventually returned to resume play. Brahim Díaz missed the resulting penalty, and Senegal went on to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory courtesy of a stunning strike from Pape Gueye in the 94th minute.
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However, the controversy took a significant turn on March 11 when CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match due to the walk-off, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco and stripping Senegal of the title. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that titles should be decided on the pitch rather than by administrative rulings.
Senegal have since escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to overturn CAF’s verdict.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and outlined the governing body’s response in an official statement released on Sunday.
“CAF is currently implementing far-reaching changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations, which will strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.”
“These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the unacceptable incidences that took place at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 do not happen again.”
“CAF has taken extensive legal advice from top African and international Football lawyers and experts, to ensure that the CAF Statutes and Regulations adhere to and implement global Football best practices, on and off the field. This is important for the respect, integrity and credibility of African Referees, VAR Operators and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.”
“CAF is working with FIFA for the ongoing training of African Referees, VAR Operators and Match Commissioners so that they are as good as the best in the world. We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well.”
“The matters relating to the incidences that took place at the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 are before CAS and the primary focus of CAF currently, is on the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the other CAF Competitions.”
“CAF is also focused on working together, cooperating and supporting each of the African Nations that will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America. We are confident that the African Nations that are participating in the FIFA World 2026 will make us proud.”
As the case awaits a final ruling from CAS, CAF’s proposed reforms signal a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of African football and rebuild confidence among players, officials and supporters alike.
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